The National Housing Federation (NHF) has welcomed the new Housing Apprenticeship Standard.

In March, the Prime Minister announced that the housing sector was to join the Apprenticeship Trailblazer programme, putting employers at the helm of the development of an Apprenticeship standard in housing management.

Since then, a consortium of nine housing associations has been working with the National Housing Federation to shape the future of training and skills funding for apprenticeships in the sector.

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David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: "The standards published today have been designed by the housing sector for the housing sector to support the future training needs of all housing managers.

"Not only will the new standards improve the quality of apprenticeships by increasing skills and adaptability but we also hope it will create more opportunities and encourage more young people to consider housing as a career.

"Housing is diverse sector and a rewarding career with fantastic development opportunities. All too often housing associations are missing out on talented people who have the ability and skills to help respond to a rapidly changing social, financial and political landscape. The new standard will help capture these people and hone their talents."

(CD/JP)